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California Physician Sentenced to 24 Months for $3.2M Hospice Fraud

Hospice News

A Ventura County, California, physician has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for Medicare fraud for medically unnecessary hospice services. Dr. Victor Contreras worked for two hospices in Pasadena California Arcadia Hospice Provider Inc., and Saint Mariam Hospice Inc. The owner of those companies, Jaunita Antenor, is a co-defendant in the case.

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The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others

Caregiver Support Services

Being a caregiver is one of the most selfless and rewarding roles one can undertake, but its also one of the most demanding. The responsibility of looking after someone elses needs often leaves little time to focus on your own. However, prioritizing self-care is not a luxuryits essential. When you care for yourself, you ensure that you have the energy, strength, and emotional resilience to continue providing care to others.

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CMS Names First Hospice Special Focus Program Cohort, Delays List of Future Candidates

Hospice News

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has made public its first cohort for the hospice Special Focus Program (SFP). Finalized in the 2024 home health payment rule, the program is designed to identify poor performing hospices, mandate quality improvement and in some cases impose additional penalties. However, stakeholders in the hospice space have contended that the agencys methodology for selecting hospices for the program is deeply flawed.

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Caregiving and the Holidays: Less Perfection, More Joy!

Caregiver Warrior

Trying to make the Holidays perfect is exhausting and impossible. Let's find some joy and peace instead. Here's how. The post Caregiving and the Holidays: Less Perfection, More Joy! appeared first on Caregiver Warrior.

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The Evolution of Communication in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare communication has evolved from handwritten notes and paper charts to digital tools like EHRs, telemedicine, and AI-powered platforms. This blog explores how these advancements improve patient outcomes, streamline care delivery, and enhance provider collaboration. Learn about the role of mobile health (mHealth) apps, secure messaging, and social media in bridging communication gaps.

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“Palliative care has been a game changer”: Reno’s story

HopeHealth

When 64-year-old Reno first heard about palliative care to help with his chronic illness, he resisted. Now, he calls it a game changer. The post Palliative care has been a game changer: Renos story appeared first on HopeHealth.

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The Sandwich Generation – what is it and are you a member

Aging Life Care Association

Written By: Lonette Bolden-Smith, MA, BSN, RN, CMC Are you an adult in your 30’s ,40s or 50s and struggling with your home and working-life balance while tasked with taking care of an aging adult? Maybe you are in your 60s and struggling to care for a parent in their 80s or 90s while trying … Continue reading The Sandwich Generation – what is it and are you a member → The post The Sandwich Generation – what is it and are you a member appeared first on Aging Life Car

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‘Detrimental, Unnecessary Chaos’ Looms as Hospice Telehealth Waivers Expire

Hospice News

Some of the temporary telehealth flexibilities implemented during the pandemic will soon expire while others have been recently extended. These evolving regulations have hospices concerned that a lack of virtual access to their services could have significant impacts on quality and health disparities. Temporary telehealth flexibilities granted during the pandemic have opened up discussions around the future of technology in health care delivery, said Dr.

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Exploring Palliative Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PWIDD): A Path to Enabling Good Practice

Life & Death Matters

Palliative care is a compassionate, whole-person approach that adapts to meet people where they are, honoring their unique needs and circumstances. However, one group that remains underserved in palliative care is people living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Ensuring equitable and quality care for this population is essential becausegetting palliative care right for PWIDD […] The post Exploring Palliative Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabili

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Bridging the Gap: Applications Now Open for the 2025-2026 SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program

Minority Nurse

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP ) at the American Nurses Association is excited to announce that applications for its 2025-2026 Class of Fellows are now open! This esteemed program is dedicated to reducing health disparities and improving healthcare outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse populations.

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Making The Season Bright: Holiday Caregiving Tips

Community Home Health Care

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for family caregivers, it can also bring unique challenges, especially when caring for a senior loved one. Whether theyre living with dementia , facing mobility restrictions, managing chronic illnesses, or simply navigating the aging process, careful planning can make the holidays enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.

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3 Reasons to Retire Pagers from Healthcare Settings

Let's discuss the trusty pager—an old favorite that’s losing its shine in hospitals and clinics. While once a staple in hospitals and clinics, pagers now present significant limitations that hinder rather than facilitate communication among healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, and they need communication tools that can keep up with their fast-paced lives.

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Start the New Year on the Right Foot With a Medication Review

American In-Home Care

For older adults, medication mismanagement is all too common. With age comes an increased likelihood of chronic conditions, and many older adults find themselves taking multiple medications to manage their health. While these medications are prescribed to improve well-being, juggling multiple meds can lead to confusion, missed doses, or even dangerous drug interactions.

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Two States Lead the Pack on Palliative Care Access, Many Lag Behind

Hospice News

Two states Massachusetts and Oregon rise above the rest when it comes to access to palliative care. This is according to the new rankings from the Center to Advance Palliative Care, America’s Readiness to Meet the Needs of People with Serious Illness Scorecard. The scorecard ranks each state’s capacity to deliver high-quality care to people facing serious illness on a five-star scale by evaluating five domains, according to Stacie Sinclair, the associate director for policy and car

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Breaking the Mold: The Growing Role of Men in Nursing

Diversity Nursing

Historically, Nursing has been viewed as a female-dominated profession, but a noticeable shift is occurring. The number of men entering the Nursing field has significantly increased in recent years. This trend reflects a broader recognition of Nursing as a versatile and rewarding career for individuals of all genders. The Rise of Male Nurses Over the past few decades, the percentage of male Nurses in the U.S. has steadily risen.

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Who’s ‘the Hospital’? Shared Governance Requires Transparent Organizational Decision-Making

AJN Off the Charts

When ‘the hospital’ speaks as a single, unified entity. Many nurses working in hospitals do not know the decision-makers who affect their job. To patients, visitors, donors, accreditors, and other external constituents, hospital systems benefit from being personified as a single, unilateral-appearing brand. Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash However, when a decision is said to have been made by the hospital,’ rather than by a specific person in the hospital, such language obscure

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The Ultimate Guide to Improving Caregiver Engagement & Retention

Want to learn how to retain your caregivers & improve caregiver retention X3? The home care industry is experiencing turnover rates of over 80%. How are you ensuring your agency is retaining caregivers? This FREE eBook from Smartcare Software is packed with industry secrets needed to keep your caregivers happy, engaged, and retained, unlocking the full potential of your agency.

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Together for Short Lives welcomes Children’s Hospice Grant boost

Together for Short Lives

Following our successful campaign, we warmly welcome the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streetings, decision to increase NHS England funding for childrens hospices to 26 million in 2025/26. The 100 million fund for both childrens and adult hospices in England announced by the UK Government also means many seriously ill children and their families […] The post Together for Short Lives welcomes Childrens Hospice Grant boost appeared first on Together for Short Lives.

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What is PACU, and What Does a PACU Nurse Do? 

Daily Nurse

PACU stands for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, also known as the recovery room. PACUs are always attached to an operating room or procedure room. They may be part of a hospital, medical center, or a standalone surgical center. PACUs differ depending on the types of surgeries and procedures being performed. These units are typically part of the perioperative area, where patients are closely monitored after their operations.

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2 Convicted in $3.2M Hospice Fraud, Kickback Scheme

Hospice News

A California hospice owner and a freelance marketer have been convicted of Medicare fraud, totalling $3.2 million, and anti-kickback statute violations. Nita Palma of Glendale, California, in 2025 purchased Magnolia Gardens Hospice through her daughter and concealed her ownership from Medicare, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Palma had previously been banned from the Medicare program due to earlier involvement in kickback schemes.

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Dementia Time-Shifting: When the Past Becomes the Present

Responsive Home Care

The way a person with dementia experiences the world is not always grounded in our current reality. One of the more heart-wrenching yet powerful experiences you may encounter is a phenomenon called dementia time-shifting. This isnt just failing to remember what day it is; its a total immersion in a different period of their life. […] The post Dementia Time-Shifting: When the Past Becomes the Present appeared first on Responsive Home Care.

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The Role of Technology in Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is transforming healthcare by enabling providers to track patient health outside traditional clinical settings. This blog explores the role of technology in RPM, including wearable devices, mobile apps, and connected medical tools that collect and share real-time data. Discover how RPM expands care access, improves outcomes, enhances patient engagement, and reduces costs by shifting from reactive to proactive care.

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The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in End-of-Life Decisions

Elder Care Matters

A healthcare proxy is crucial in ensuring that end-of-life medical decisions align with a seniors values and wishes. By advocating for their preferences, communicating with medical teams, and navigating ethical dilemmas, the proxy serves as a compassionate voice when the individual can no longer speak for themselves. Proper preparation and open family discussions are essential for empowering the healthcare proxy and ensuring dignified care.

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The 4 Core Ethical Principles of Nursing

Daily Nurse

As we all know, nurses continue to be identified by most Americans as the most trusted and honest professionals in the country. For this reason, the high ethical standards set by the profession pay extraordinary dividends for everyone involved. Speaking of ethics, what are the ethical standards of nursing, and what do they mean? Ethical Standards Hold Meaning Anyone can pay lip service to ethical principles, but when it comes to delivering patient care within a complex healthcare system, the eth

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AHA: Palliative Care Should Be Fully Integrated into Stroke Care

Hospice News

The health care community should integrate palliative care into all aspects of post-stroke treatments, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA). This should include interventions to address psychosocial health, navigating the health care system and preparation for end-of-life care when necessary, the statement indicated.

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5 Tips to Safeguard Elders Who Have Experienced Domestic Abuse

Caregiver Support Services

Domestic abuse is awful no matter who you are. But, when you depend on the care of others for your health and well-being and experience domestic abuse, it can be even harder. If youre a caregiver to someone thats been through it, the journey isnt over. Domestic abuse stays with you for years and can seriously impact your quality of life if not dealt with correctly.

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Real-Life Examples of HIPAA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Speaker: Jack Clough, Chief Growth Officer

Download our 30-minute webinar where we delve into real-life examples of HIPAA violations and preventative measures every organization should know! You will learn: The critical factors that lead to HIPAA violations and how to identify them. Three compelling real-life cases of organizations that faced severe HIPAA penalties. Proven strategies to safeguard YOUR organization against HIPAA violations.

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How to Successfully Balance Managing Care for Two Parents

Responsive Home Care

Anyone who has looked after an aging parent can fill you in on how overwhelming it can be. But managing care for two parents at the same time, balancing between two unique sets of needs, schedules, and personalities? If you are in this position, it might feel as though you are struggling to stay on […] The post How to Successfully Balance Managing Care for Two Parents appeared first on Responsive Home Care.

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Home Health Care Services in Pasco County, Holiday, FL, Clearwater and Surrounding Areas

Bayshore Care Home

What Are Home Health Care Services? What Are Its Advantages? Home health care services refer to a range of medical and non-medical services provided to individuals in the comfort. The post Home Health Care Services in Pasco County, Holiday, FL, Clearwater and Surrounding Areas first appeared on Bayshore Home Care.

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Empowering Healthcare: ANCC Launches $5 Million Grant Program to Transform Nursing Workforce

Daily Nurse

In a bold move to address the pressing challenges facing the nursing workforce, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has announced an exciting new initiative to enhance health outcomes across New York State. The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the state’s largest grantmaking organization focused on vulnerable communities, is premiering its Nursing Initiativea groundbreaking grant program designed to support safety net hospitals that provide vital care to high-need populations.

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U.S. Health Care Spending Reaches $4.9 Trillion

Hospice News

The nations total health expenditures rose 7.5% to $4.9 trillion in 2023, a new analysis by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) found. This growth took place at a faster pace in 2023 than prior years. In 2022, health care spending rose at a rate of 4.6%. Total Medicare hospice spending accounted for $25.7 billion last year, according to a separate report from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC).

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Best Practices for Sharing Protected Health Information (PHI)

Explore essential topics in this ebook, including what constitutes PHI and how to identify it using 18 indicators. Gain insights into the importance of safeguarding PHI to protect patient privacy and learn about the severe consequences of HIPAA violations. Discover practical strategies for securely exchanging PHI within your healthcare organization, including assessing risks and implementing effective safeguards.

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A Guide to Stopping Being a Carer

Caregiver Support Services

Caring can be fulfilling, and rewarding, and can foster your connection with the person you are caring for. However, it can also be stressful, have a poor work/life balance, and lead to cases of burnout. If you are struggling with your role as a carer, here is a short guide that can help you to take charge of your decision and stop being a carer before too long.

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Immunity Boosting Tips and Illness Prevention for Seniors

Accessible Home Health Care

Its that time of the year again. The holidays are in full swing, families are coming together to celebrate, and cold weather has arrived. Most find that spending quality time with loved ones during the holidays is their number one priority. However, for the seniors in your life, boosting their immunity and preventing illness may be on their minds. As we age, our bodies change how they respond to getting sick.

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How to Prioritize Senior Wellness Goals for the New Year

Seasons Hospice

The New Year is the perfect time to focus on creating healthier habits and setting achievable wellness goals, particularly for seniors. As we age, maintaining a well-rounded approach to wellness becomes increasingly important for both physical and mental well-being. Seniors can benefit greatly from setting goals that address their unique needs, ensuring they stay active, engaged, and healthy throughout the year.

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Springer Publishing Honored with Seven AJN Book of the Year Awards for 2024

Daily Nurse

The American Journal of Nursing (AJN) has awarded Springer Publishing with seven Book of the Year Awards for 2024, showcasing the company’s exceptional quality and the impact of its resources in advancing the nursing industry. The AJN Book of the Year program is a time-honored and prestigious competition honoring exceptional print and digital texts for advancing healthcare quality in nursing by exploring and advancing critical topics in health and healthcare since 1969.

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The Essential Guide to HIPAA-Compliant Messaging for Home Care Teams

Explore the risks posed by non-compliant consumer apps like Instagram and WhatsApp in healthcare settings. Learn about potential HIPAA penalties and use a self-evaluation flowchart to determine your organization's need for HIPAA-compliant messaging. Discover straightforward steps to implement secure communication solutions efficiently, ensuring compliance and protecting patient data effectively.